Somerville politicians catch Super Bowl fever

The mere mention of Super Bowl Sunday conjures up keywords like football, holiday and, lately, the New England Patriots.

If the Patriots aren’t in the big game, they were at least in the Lombardi Sweepstakes hunt. They have now been in the National Football League’s showcase spectacular seven times since the new millennium. That’s 17 seasons to be exact.

But discounting 2000, when Tom Brady was a fourth-string quarterback, and 2008 when he suffered a season ending ACL tear, the team played for the grand prize on average one out of every two years, a feat that won’t be duplicated any time soon. That doesn’t count conference championship games. That statistic is a ridiculous 11 times in those same 15 seasons. No wonder most football fans south of Hartford, Conn., and west of Pittsfield hate them passionately.

But for those of us who grew up here, we don’t care. We just want to see the dynasty continue. In these times of political strife, the Pats' play on the gridiron gives us a chance to come together and root as one for "one more" victory, to borrow the team’s most recent slogan. Even the politicians like the respite.

Somerville politicians were asked for their predictions and thoughts on the game by the Somerville Journal earlier this week, and some were very creative, but the common theme, except for one brave public servant, was still another Patriots’ win. Here’s what they had to say:

Bob McWatters, Ward 3 Alderman

New England 34 – Atlanta 30

I am picking the Patriots to win because of the coaching and Tom Brady. The Patriots will be able to score and their defense will come up with plays to slow down the Falcons offense and stop them in a crucial time of the game.

Matt McLaughlin , Ward 1 Alderman

New England 34 – Atlanta 31

My prediction is that the Pats will win the Super Bowl by a field goal, and Roger Goodell will then crawl on all fours with the trophy strapped to his back and kiss the feet of Belichick and Brady, and acknowledge the Patriots as the greatest dynasty in sports history.

Mark Niedergang, Ward 5 Alderman

New England 27 – Atlanta 21

I am far from an expert on football, but I pick the Pats by 6-9 points. Two main reasons: good defense usually beats good offense in football, and the Hoodie (Bill Belichick) is a genius, and his teams know how to win.

The only way the Patriots lose is when an opposing team can harass and sack Tom Brady a lot. If that happens, I might be wrong.

Steve Roix, Ward 1 School Committee

New England 45 – Atlanta 0

Post-game controversy erupts once again when evidence is uncovered that Russian operatives hacked into the Falcons playbook as part of a scheme concocted by President Trump to settle some lingering hard feelings between his two BFF's – Vladimir Putin and Bob Kraft – over one the whereabouts of one of Kraft's old Super Bowl rings.

Suspicions were raised after Matt Ryan repeatedly and inexplicably stepped back and punted the football on first down for several consecutive possessions after exchanging confused glances with his offensive coordinator.

After the scheme is exposed, Trump and Kraft have a falling out, each blaming the other. Trump has Gisele deported in a fit, and Brady denounces him and registers as a Democrat.

Andre Green, Ward 4 School Committee

New England 34 – Atlanta 17

I grew up in Louisiana, so I really hate the Falcons. I've been trying to convince myself they'd get shutout, but Matt Ryan is too good to be denied. Good, but not good enough.

Dan Futrell, Ward 2 School Committee

New England 24 – Atlanta 13

Come on, we all know the Patriots are going to crush the Falcons like Leo DeSimone crushes cars in the auto shop at Somerville High. It'll be effortless. If you've ever accidentally stepped on a paper cup, you'll know what I mean.

Dennis Sullivan, Alderman-at-Large

Atlanta 34 - New England 31 (overtime)

I am pulling for the Pats, but I feel former Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan is going to complete his MVP season with a big win.

Lance Davis, Ward 6 Alderman

I have to say I haven't put a ton of thought into the Super Bowl in light of everything that has happened in the world this past week. I'm just looking forward to watching it with my kids, and I hope for a good game, and a Patriots’ win.